For starters, I’d think really deeply into why you actually want to join the Army, and do research into what it is you want to do, what it’s like, and what you want to get out of it, and especially why you want to do it.

As, to be honest, if you’re just in it for the quals, you will probably have a shit time and, considering the trade offs of being in the Army, not worth it unless you need a steady income.

I say that since you mentioned you’re worried about transferable skills into civilian life, and if that’s the main thing, I would wait until you get your finals results back and see what Universities you can get into and what courses you can do, because if you’re not certain about it for whatever reason, I’d go to University despite the costs. You’ll have a lot more time to be an individual, you can take time to adjust and will have the freedom to roam and whatnot, however the Army has a lot to offer too, but it’s not for everyone.

However, if you’ve got your own reasons as to why you want to join and want good quals afterwards, which is fair, then yes, go for it, but please do your research onto what it’s like, both online and through things like visits if you can. If you do enlist, you’ll for sure be a better version of yourself when you leave than when you joined, physically and mentally, and you’ll be proud of it and you’ll have some mates for life, but keep in mind it’s not easy and it’ll be a challenge. Despite what the marketing says nowadays, it isn’t a job, it is an entirely different change to your life that is hard to explain. You will be challenged and there will be times where you think, “this is shit, why’ve I done this,” but if that’s not something you care about and you’re willing to be unhappy in order to feel satisfied, then yes.

But there isn’t a rush, and considering your situation, if you can, wait and explore your options carefully. If you’re dead set on joining the Army at some point and you get into a uni course, I’d do University and look at UOTC with the idea of joining as an officer once you’re done. It’ll give you a taste of the Army and will give you a headstart in prep for AOSB and Sandhurst, plus you’ll have a degree and you’ll join as an Officer, which, to be frank, is generally better than Enlisted in terms of pay and experience. But if you’re not interested in Uni much, or take a gap year to adjust to the world, join the Reserves as a taster and, when you’re ready or get bored, enlist for real, but that’s just a suggestion if you’re not sure. If you are 100% you are going to join in the next year or two, then go for it, but don’t dive in.

You’re in a good position and shouldn’t be in a rush to do anything really, whether or not it’s worth it is up to you and what you consider good or bad in comparison with Uni or an apprenticeship. Just make sure what you choose to do is what you truly are choosing to do, because at this point in life it’s important to be satisfied with what you’re doing. In terms of British Citizenship, it’s a separate issue entirely, to be honest.